1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Nissan Terrano
To start off, 2008 Nissan Terrano is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,956 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Terrano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Terrano (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Terrano should accelerate faster than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Terrano weights approximately 875 kg more than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan Terrano is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Terrano will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Nissan Terrano (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Terrano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Nissan Terrano | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Terrano |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 102 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 72 L |
